1814 France
By: John Thomson
Date: 1814 (Published) Edinburgh
Dimensions: 19.5 x 22.25 inches (49.5 x 56.52 cm)
This attractive large format map from Thomson’s New General Atlas features France at an interesting time historically speaking, and includes portions of Germany, Spain and England.
The map is engraved in the minimalist English style pioneered in the early part of the 19th century, a style which reduced maps’ decorative elements to a minimum. Relief is shown by hachure with towns, cities, and major topographical features all identified. In 1814, the year the map was published, Napoleon abdicated and Bourbon Louis XVIII sat on the throne of France until Napoleon’s brief return in 1815 at which time Louis fled to Belgium. When Louis was reinstated he ruled the French constitutional monarchy, albeit with limited power, from 15 July 1815 till his death in September 1824.
John Thomson (1777 - 1841) was a Scottish cartographer, publisher, and bookbinder active in Edinburgh during the early part of the 19th century. Thomson apprenticed under Edinburgh bookbinder Robert Alison. Thomson was one of the leading publishers in the Edinburgh school of cartography, which flourished in the early decades of the 19th century. Thomson and his contemporaries (Pinkerton and Cary) redefined European cartography by abandoning typical 18th century decorative elements such as elaborate title cartouches and fantastic beasts in favor of detail and accuracy.
Condition: This superb large format map on heavy paper is in A condition. Original coloring.
Inventory #11925
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